Dermatologist vs Dentist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Dermatologist earns 67% more than Dentist
Median R 120 000/month vs R 72 000/month — a R 48 000/month difference
Dermatologist
R 1 440 000/year
445% above SA workforce median
Dentist
R 864 000/year
227% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Dermatologist | Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 63 000 | R 43 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 110 000 | R 72 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 180 000 | R 140 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Dermatologist
South Africa has a severe shortage of dermatologists — demand far exceeds supply. This shortage is projected to persist due to the long training pipeline and high emigration rates among qualified specialists.
Dentist
Demand is stable, though access to dental care in South Africa remains skewed toward higher-income groups. The NHI's phased implementation may create new public-sector opportunities for dentists over the next decade.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Dermatologist or a Dentist in South Africa?▾
A Dermatologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Dermatologist is R 120 000/month, compared to R 72 000/month for a Dentist — a difference of R 48 000/month (67% higher).
What is the Dermatologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Dermatologist salary in South Africa is R 120 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 55 000–R 75 000/month, mid-level pays R 85 000–R 145 000/month, and senior roles pay R 130 000–R 280 000/month.
What is the Dentist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Dentist salary in South Africa is R 72 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 35 000–R 55 000/month, mid-level pays R 55 000–R 100 000/month, and senior roles pay R 100 000–R 200 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Dermatologist or Dentist?▾
Use the Rand Tools PAYE calculator. Enter the gross monthly salary and it will calculate your exact take-home pay after PAYE income tax, UIF (1% of gross, capped at R177.12/month), and any pension or medical aid contributions.